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Whale Wars Captain Paul Watson responds to South Park
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Humpback whale calf breaching
The issue of Japanese whale and dolphin slaughter has been rocketed to new heights courtesy of television's cartoon South Park which aired this week. Wednesday's brutally raw, bloody, obscene and dark episode pits the South Park characters against Japanese whale and dolphin killers, and exaggerates an already emotional and polarizing issue.
On one side of the argument are countries, cultures and individuals who see no error in slaughtering and eating whales and dolphins, or profiting or benefiting from the captive industry. On the other side are those who believe whales and dolphins are sentient, intelligent creatures, mammals just as humans are, and see cetaceans as endangered species to be protected rather than utilized for food or entertainment. Emotions run rampant on both sides.
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) voted for a moratorium, or end to commercial whaling in 1982. Japan and other nations including Norway and Iceland continue to slaughter whales with impunity using a loophole in the IWC agreement. Many whale species have been hunted to the brink of extinction; according to whale conservationists, the survival of these species is dependent upon protections, regulations and vigilant campaigns against illegal whaling operations.
Animal Planet's wildly popular and controversial television series, Whale Wars, has publicized the fight among the Japanese whalers and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS). SSCS has activated its self-described mission of "ending the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans, to conserve and protect ecosystems and species" (SSCS main page) by intervening against Japanese whaling actions on the high seas.
Comedic, satirical pokes at contemporary issues have always been effective means to galvanize public sentiment and change paradigms. Satire of this magnitude of offensiveness is uncommon; there are very few independent entities left who have the latitude to present this type of critique unencumbered and free from connections to the perpetrators they seek to lampoon.
Comedy is difficult. Consider the rarity of comedians there who are talented and brave enough to tackle social issues. It takes courage to challenge authority and the status quo, to say what needs to be said, or to articulate something that others haven't considered. And, to succeed at this while following comedic rules (yes, even comedy has rules) is rare indeed. Comedy is the best method of delivery for this type of critique, but no one is safe. That's what makes comedy worthwhile and dangerousat the same time.
At the heart of the Sea Shepherd's vessel Steve Irwin and crew is founder and Captain Paul Watson, who is harshly depicted in the South Park episode, "Whale Whores". Watson responded to his being satirized in October 30 Ecorazzi, a web/blog site focusing on environmental, humanitarian, animal rights and vegetarian issues as they relate to those in the public spotlight. Watson shrugged off the personal attack in the episode, and opted instead to focus on the "Whale Whores" message and Sea Shepherd's successes. He also opined that South Park has linked Japan to "the horrific and senseless slaughter of dolphins and whales" (Ecorazzi) and brought the issue to a wider audience.
The international argument between whaling and non-whaling nations has been catapulted to new levels of intensity by conservationist actions, through the televised reality show Whale Wars, and by the recent cinematic release of the wildly acclaimed expose' The Cove.
Watson and Whale Wars have been renewed for a third season on Animal Planet.
There is, and has always been room on our big blue planet for extremists, and everyone in between. Some of us squirm, others laugh, and others rise to action when we are uncomfortable. Are we poised and ready to consider new dimensions and approaches to engaging, respectful and transformative dialogue? Until we are, men such as Paul Watson will act. Perhaps the consequence of controversial actions, movies, television and comedy is energized momentum toward change.
Animal Planet's Whale Wars http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/
Ecorazzi http://www.ecorazzi.com/2009/10/30/south-park-whale-whores-captain-paul-watson-responds/
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Describes its Mission http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/sea-shepherd/
South Park Studios http://www.southparkstudios.com/
The Cove http://www.thecovemovie.com/
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